Summary of Grades

Rhode Island scores below average in three of the four graded policy categories in Quality Counts.

The state earns a below-average grade in standards and accountability, in part, because it has not adopted academic standards in social studies. In addition, the American Federation of Teachers has not rated its English standards as clear, specific, and grounded in content. The state also loses points because its science assessments are not aligned to its standards.

Rhode Island also scores below the average state in teacher quality. There is room for improvement particularly in the area of teacher assessment. The state does not require aspiring teachers to pass basic-skills or subject-knowledge tests to earn an initial license, and veterans do not have to undergo performance assessments to qualify for more advanced certification.

The state earns its highest score in school climate, where it ranks among the top group of states. Rhode Island fares well on measures of student engagement and receives full credit for its efforts related to class size and school facilities. The state loses points because of a limited public school open-enrollment program and a charter school law that receives a low rating from the Center for Education Reform.

Rhode Island’s worst showing is in resource equity. Its wealth-neutrality score, for example, shows that the state’s wealthier districts tend to have higher per-pupil funding levels than do poorer districts.